Bachelor of Science
at University of South Australia, South Australia.
A foundational science degree with majors in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, computing or earth sciences. Most providers permit two majors plus a research project in third year.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the University of South Australia Bachelor of Science. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | SATAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | SATAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | SATAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official SATAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year is a broad science foundation. You take introductory courses across several disciplines (such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and earth or environmental science) plus laboratory skills, data analysis and scientific communication. UniSA's science teaching is laboratory-rich, so you spend significant time in practicals while you decide on a major. Second year deepens your chosen major (for example biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology or environmental science) with more advanced theory and laboratory or fieldwork. UniSA's applied focus means you work with real instruments, datasets and field sites, and you build statistical and computing skills used across modern science. Third year focuses on advanced specialist courses and a research project or industry-linked capstone, where you design and run an investigation and report your findings. Work-integrated learning, such as placements or research projects with industry and government partners, is a feature. Strong students can continue into an Honours year, the standard pathway to research masters and a PhD.
Example first-year subjects
- Biology: Cells and Organisms
- Chemistry Fundamentals
- Physics for Scientists
- Calculus and Mathematics for Science
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Data and Scientific Skills
How you will be assessed
- Final exams worth a large share of mark in science courses
- Laboratory practical reports and assessments
- Fieldwork tasks and field reports
- Data-analysis and problem-solving assignments
- Research project report and presentation
- Online quizzes and theory tests
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as laboratory scientists, environmental analysts and data scientists across industry and government.
- Many continue into Honours and PhD study, leading to research roles at CSIRO, universities and biotech firms.
- Common pathways include secondary teaching, science communication and graduate medicine programmes.
Typical first jobs
- Laboratory scientist or technician
- Environmental or field scientist
- Data analyst or research assistant
- Quality-control or regulatory officer
- Science communicator or technical writer
- Geologist or earth-science graduate
- Pathway entry to teaching, research or graduate medicine
Graduate starting salary
$60,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Graduates enter laboratory, analytical, environmental and data roles in industry, government and research, or continue into Honours and a PhD for research careers. Other common pathways include the Master of Teaching (secondary) to teach science, graduate-entry medicine or allied health, and coursework masters in data science, environmental science or specialist science fields.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Curious students who enjoy how the natural world works
- People who like laboratory and fieldwork
- Methodical thinkers comfortable with maths and data
- Students who enjoy the scientific method and evidence
- Those open to Honours and a research career
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike maths, statistics and lab work
- Those wanting a directly vocational, job-ready degree
- People who prefer essay-based humanities study
- Students expecting a licence to practise on graduation
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the University of South Australia handbook and on SATAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/unisa/bachelor-of-science.